A month ago this past Monday (7/7/2014) I was ordained a transitional deacon. As I look back on this past month much has happened. I served as deacon at my home parish on Pentecost Sunday; reading the Gospel, setting the table, and dismissing the congregation. I have also begun serving as deacon alongside the Rev. Paula Ott. And, while all of these experiences have been both sacred and beautiful it was not until an instance at the Cathedral Domain that I felt I truly embodied my identity as a transitional deacon.
This past week Dean Wade and Rev. Paula invited me to assist in Junior High Week at the Domain. When I arrived Paula and the Junior High students were in the midst of celebrating a healing service. As soon as Paula caught my eye she motioned me to come join her, handing me some oil for anointing. I was soon lifting up these students intimate prayers for love and connection, for forgiveness and solace to God. It was as I served these youth, sharing in their hopes and desires, hearing their wishes and fears, that I truly felt I was a deacon serving God’s children.
An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church defines a deacon as an ordained person who “exercises ‘a special ministry of servant hood’ directly under the deacon's bishop, serving all people and especially those in need… As they proclaim the gospel, lead intercessions, wait at the Eucharistic table, and direct the order of the assembly, deacons act as sacred messengers, agents, and attendants.” I had obviously been serving as a deacon, taking on the role by assisting at the table of Holy Communion, making intercessions for the people, and seeking to serve others. But, it was not until I was deeply connecting and interacting with God’s children that I truly felt I was serving God’s people. As I heard the youths prayers, offered them to God, and anointed them I was able to truly realize and take on my role of service.
I have been called to the priesthood, but as I travel the path toward this vocation I must also fulfill the call to serve as a deacon for the next sixth months. This role, of transitional deacon, can sometimes feel confusing and disconnected for those traveling the path towards the priesthood. But, as I served this past week at the Domain, connecting, serving, and praying intimately with God’s children I truly realized the importance and necessity of the transitional diaconate. As I am shaped and formed into the priest God has called me to be, I must first learn how to truly make Christ and his grace filled love known to those whom I serve. As a transitional deacon I have been invited into a time of deep and intimate service. I have been granted the space to come into my role as clergy, learning from those around me how to serve and minister in a manner that is meaningful and honorable to God and God’s people.
No comments:
Post a Comment